Our Staff
Jim Harper III
Lead Pastor
Jim was ordained in the Southern Baptist tradition 37 years ago. He has a Diploma in Christian Ministry from The Southern Baptist Theological, Louisville Kentucky. He has a BS in Divinity Studies from LaSalle University, Mandeville, Louisiana. He has also has engaged in graduate work at Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, California. Jim has served as Associate Pastors in Churches in Alabama, Kentucky and Hawaii. Jim most recently served 18 years at St. Stephen United Church of Christ in Louisville, Kentucky. Jim also served as Transitional Associate Conference Minister for the Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ. Jim began his ministry at Edison on September 6, 2018.
Anton Pierce
Associate Minister
Pastor Anton was born in Chile to missionary parents. He holds degrees from Oklahoma Baptist University and Virginia Commonwealth University. His primary role is Worship Arts.
Alena Michel
Director of Sacred Arts
Alena Michel is a dedicated pianist and organist, who has been enriching the musical landscape of Southwest Florida for over 22 years. She currently takes great joy in serving at Thomas Edison Congregational Church. Alena's music is an expression of her faith and love for God, resonating with the congregation and enhancing their spiritual experience.
Cindy Wilson
Office Manager
Cindy was born and raised in Waterbury Connecticut before moving to the Cape Coral/Ft Myers area in May of 1995. She graduated in the class of 1975 from Wilby High School where she was enrolled in a program that allowed her to rotate working for 2 weeks as a secretary and then switched to school 2 weeks. Cindy has had a career working for several banks in their mortgage departments. She’s has been part of the TAECC’s staff since May 23, 2022. Cindy enjoys spending her free time crocheting, reading, relaxing by the pool, watching her grandson play baseball or shopping with her daughter and granddaughter.
Stephen Brittain
Pianist
Stephen Brittain is a home-grown musician having served more than 5 local church congregations since his first church job when he was 19 years old in 1976. He has served as a choir director in some instances, organist in other settings and organist/choir master for some churches.
He has a deep love of choral music and conducting and creating special piano arrangements for special music here at Thomas Edison Congregational Church. His home is practically a museum and boasts 8 pianos which includes two 9’ concert grands. There is also a 1927 Wurlitzer theater pipe organ installed in his home as well.
“In short order I have come to love this congregation and its leadership. I feel like I belong here and was pleased to be asked to occupy the piano bench. The greetings and hugs on Sunday morning are sincere and heartfelt, and I am sure that this is where I am supposed to be serving and using my talents side by side with my dear friend, Alena.”
Stephen has served as the Dean and Sub Dean of the SW Florida Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), he was organist for the City of Fort Myers at Harborside and has been one of the few guest pianists at Mrs. Mina Edison’s piano located in the Edison Estates here in Fort Myers. In his spare time, he accompanies silent films on the organ. Stephen was the founding director of the SW Florida Gay and Lesbian Chorus that formed in 1994.
Lori McMullen
Faith Community Nurse
My name is Lori McMullen and I am your Faith Community Nurse (Parish Nurse). I was born in Rochester Michigan and moved to Florida after I graduated High School. I have been an RN for over 28 yrs and have had multiple roles such as, educator, Trauma, and Stroke specialist. Currently I work as an educator and the leader of the emergency response team at Lee Memorial Hospital. At 8 years old, I was asked in a class assignment what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote I wanted to be a Nurse, serve God, and teach others about Jesus. Being a Faith Community Nurse (FCN) has allowed me to do all those things. As your FCN my focus is on promoting wellness, preventing illness and injury, supporting you spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I integrate faith and spiritual well-being into healthcare.